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New owner of XJ550 Maxim

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by TwigMonster, Jun 28, 2011.

  1. TwigMonster

    TwigMonster New Member

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    Location:
    Oklahoma
    Bought a XJ550 Maxim last weekend.
    Cosmetically, it is stunning. Other than a pea sized ding on top of the gas tank, it is perfect. 7800 miles.

    I had a 83 Maxim 400 back in the day and loved it. I've been looking for a Maxim for awhile. Ran across this on Craigslist. Unfortunately, the owner sold it to a dealer. Went to see it at the dealership and I couldn't pass it up.

    It has not been ridden in 10 years. The carbs were rebuilt by the dealer. They also did an oil change.

    The front brake is soft. Reading up on these things, that seems to be a common theme. I plan to have a braided line installed, replace the pads, bleed the line, etc. I don't expect the issue to be completely solved. But, I'd like it to be better than it is.

    It is running rough. I plan to get to a shop for a good go over. I suspect other areas need to be checked, e.g. fork oil, chain, brake pads/shoes, etc.
    Should I get the valves checked?

    Anyway, I am so excited to have this bike.
     

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    TwigMonster, Jun 28, 2011
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  2. JFStewart

    JFStewart Member

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    While you are at the brakes, rebuild the master cylinder and the calliper. Yamaha say to replace all brake seals every 2 years and the "rubber" hoses every 4. Check the rear shoes for de-lamination. it is common for the friction material to separate from the shoe.
     
    JFStewart, Jun 28, 2011
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  3. KrS14

    KrS14 Active Member

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    "It is running rough."


    I hope they were selling it "as-is" or they're not a very good "dealer" and/or repair shop lol
     
    KrS14, Jun 28, 2011
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  4. Hvnbnd

    Hvnbnd Active Member

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    1st thing you better do is put an in-line fuel filter on that fuel line!!!

    Might be that the tank had trash in it and goofed those carbs up already..

    I've bought bad gas before and had my fuel filter protect my carbs!!!
    Just dump the fuel out and put a new filter on and away you go!!
     
    Hvnbnd, Jun 28, 2011
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  5. skillet

    skillet Active Member

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    WELCOME from TN!!! Lots of 550s showing up lately. Don't count on the dealer having done a great job of cleaning the carbs. GREAT how-tos on checking valves, cleaning and syncing carbs here...

    skillet
     
    skillet, Jun 29, 2011
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  6. OldBikerDude

    OldBikerDude Member

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    Welcome! If you want it to run it's best then yes, check the valves, sync and colortune the carbs. You also want to not only replace that front brake system but replace those rear brake shoes as well. Do other little checks as well like look for leaks on the forks, you may want to modernise the fuse box, check the chain and sprocket, etc.
     
    OldBikerDude, Jun 29, 2011
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